Organisms causing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in children with liver disease and ascites in Southern Iran

Mahmood Haghighat1, Seyed Mohsen Dehghani, Abdolvahab Alborzi

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most frequent cause of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in children with liver disease. Third-generation cephalosporins are recommended for empirical treatment of SBP in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication in children with liver disease and ascites.
  • Identifying causative agents is crucial for effective treatment and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the primary bacterial pathogens responsible for SBP in pediatric patients with liver disease and ascites.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of current antibiotic regimens.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 12 pediatric patients with 13 SBP episodes over 2.5 years.
  • Analysis of ascitic fluid (cell count, albumin, glucose, Gram stain, BACTEC culture, antibiogram) and serum parameters.
  • Repeat ascitic fluid cultures 48 hours post-antibiotic therapy; 3-month follow-up.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen (38.5%), followed by Escherichia coli (15.3%).
  • Most isolates were sensitive to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone.
  • All patients achieved negative ascitic fluid cultures after 48 hours of antibiotic treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of SBP in children with liver disease.
  • Third-generation cephalosporins (e.g., ceftriaxone) are recommended for empirical SBP therapy in this population.
Abstract

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